Sasol Integrated Report 2024 - Book - Page 93
INTRODUCTION
ABOUT SASOL
STRATEGIC OVERVIEW
BUSINESSES
ESG
REMUNERATION REPORT
DATA AND ASSURANCE / ADMINISTRATION
ENVIRONMENT continued
ENVIRONMENTAL COMPLIANCE
OUR COMMITMENT
We are committed to adhering to applicable
environmental regulatory requirements, consistent
with our Code of Conduct and underpinned by
various Sasol policies.
OUR GROUP APPROACH
We follow a robust process of reporting and mitigating environmental incidents, including any deviations from legal
requirements. Our approach is based on a classification system which includes assessing incidents based on their
potential to create significant degradation or pollution to the environment. We collaborate with the authorities on
environmental inspections conducted at our facilities. Our responses to findings include key remedial interventions
aimed at sustaining compliance.
PERFORMANCE
We consider all our operations in reporting, therefore the following environmental report is based on key compliance challenges, noting that not all of our operations experienced such challenges.
The following are events that occurred at our various regions and our response to them:
• The Environmental Management Inspectorate (EMI) conducted an inspection at Natref Refinery on 26 and 27 October 2023. Natref cooperated fully with the authorities and awaits the final report
from the EMI.
NATREF
• The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) annual site inspection by the Catchment Officer was conducted at Natref Sasolburg on 19 March 2024. No findings were raised.
• Natref’s Durban Operations (NDO) received a contaminated land remediation order issued by the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) to NDO’s Prospecton site. The order
requires extensive monitoring activities and management of risk associated with petroleum hydrocarbons contamination. Further, a contaminated land remediation order was issued by DFFE for
Fynnland site 1 and site 2 and was received by NDO from Transnet National Ports Authority (the landowner). The order requires extensive groundwater monitoring to monitor the plume migration and to
implement institutional controls as required.
• Natref submitted its application for renewal of its water use licence (WUL) to DWS. Natref is collaborating with DWS to expedite the application towards a favourable decision. In this regard, Natref
was requested to submit a geohydrological assessment which has since been completed and submitted to the DWS. The further processing of the renewal application is subject to the consideration
of this update.
SASOL MINING
• Emissions resulting from the Vacuum Preflash Off-gas Furnace unit is currently a challenge post the installation of the LP Sour Gas Unit. Further investigation is ongoing to understand the sources
of higher emissions. Natref reported the matter and is engaging the local licensing authority in this regard.
• On 17 October 2023, during a scheduled inspection carried out by the surface water team, a leak was detected on the pipeline between BS4 and Dam F. The incident was attended to, corrective measures
implemented, and the leak stopped. The incident was reported to DWS.
• Sasol Mining is in the process of renewing its various WULs at its various mines. Certain challenges have been experienced with regards to the WUL renewal process by DWS. Processes are ongoing
and Sasol Mining is engaging DWS in this regard.
• As previously reported, Sasol Mining had submitted an appeal to the Water Tribunal relating to a DWS decision not to grant the renewal of its Syferfontein WUL. While the appeal process was ongoing
Sasol Mining received a Notice of Intention to Issue a Directive (Pre-directive) from DWS related to its water uses at Syferfontein mine. Sasol Mining submitted substantive representations to DWS
on the Pre-directive and no further response was received. Further engagement with DWS resulted in Sasol Mining resubmitting its WUL renewal application for Syferfontein in accordance with
DWS requirements. The application was successful, and Sasol Mining received its WUL for Syferfontein on 7 March 2024. Subsequently, both the appeal and pre-directive was withdrawn.
SEO
• An EMI inspection was conducted on site in Sasolburg on 8 April 2024. The inspection related to an Alien and Invasive Species permit for Category 1 plant species. The permit was initially required for
populus alba which was subsequently removed. The EMI inspectors indicated that they were satisfied that no evidence of populus alba was present on site during the inspection. The permit therefore
was no longer required.
• On 28 December 2023 an incident occurred at the Vinyl Chloride Monomers plant in Sasolburg, where an activated bursting disc resulted in a relief valve failure, venting reactor effluent gas to the
atmosphere. The incident was due to the pressure excursion in the Oxychlorination system resulting in the bursting disc being ruptured exposing the safety relief valve to the gas. Dispersion model studies
indicated that the significance of the incident was rated to be low based on its impact on the surrounding community and sensitive receptors. The incident was reported to the local licensing officer as well
as to DFFE as a National Environmental Management Act (NEMA) Section 30 Incident.
• Sasolburg Operations (SO) have been experiencing challenges with Hydrogen Cyanide (HCN) emissions from its Cyanide Plant. Investigations have been done and upgrades to the plant have
been completed. Plant optimisation and emission reduction activities on the plant continue, in addition flare tips will be installed, to reduce HCN emissions to virtually zero. SEO has engaged the local
licensing officer on an agreed action plan.
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